BIT. An acronym for binary digit; the smallest unit of information in the binary numbering system, represented by the digits 0 and 1.

BLANK. A raw material piece, ready for a subsequent operation.

BLANKET ROUTING. A routing that lists a group of operations needed to produce a family of items. The items may have small differences in size, but they use the same sequence of operations. Specific times or tools for each individual item can be included. (See GROUP TECHNOLOGY).

BOTTLENECK. A facility, process, department, etc., that limits production capacity. For example, a machine or work center where jobs arrive faster than they leave.

BUFFER. A temporary storage in front of or following a process or work station.